Roman Blood - Steven Saylor
Reading start: 2016-12-01
Reading finish: 2016-12-31

Right, I have to read this one because I have it. Soon. Then try to reread Pillars of the Earth before January. Maybe.

Is anyone planning on diving into the Roman Empire with me?

Gordianus is second on my list of literary boyfriends, right behind Uhtred.*sigh*

Reply to post #3 (show post):
I hope to understand that comment soon. :)

I have an Audible credit. Maybe I'all grab it there.

I plan to start listening to this today or tomorrow! :-D

Ok, now I understand No Feet's comment. I started this yesterday and it's good so far (only at 12%). This is what happens when I don't bother with blurbs. Or at least don't bother rereading the blurb before starting the book.

Gordianus gets so much better with age. The prequel novels that Saylor has been publishing lately, just aren't as good. It makes me kind of sad to know that young Gordianus was like any other 20 year old boy in the universe.

Well, he's only about thirty here. I'm just not sure how clever he'd be at twenty. There are a few actual sequels to this book, though, right?

I think there's only three or four actual sequels. The other books in the series are just collections of various short stories Saylor has published. There is a chronological order ( found here http://www.stevensaylor.com/RomaSubRosa.html) that differs from the published order. Some people argue that you don't need to read the short stories in order to enjoy the novels. I would disagree. There are things you miss by not reading the short stories. I also felt the novels spoiled some of the events of the short stories. I know that seems kind of backwards. If you find you are someone who wants to continue on with the series, I would recommend reading the books in chronological order.

Actually, I'm finding that I'm someone who isn't sure whether to finish the first book. I'm at the 35% mark and it's probably unfair of me to say this, but I really didn't need that this morning.

(hide spoiler) The murder of Bast was cheap and out of character for the thugs, considering Bethesda was there. And I didn't need it this morning.(show spoiler)

I'll be reading something else for a while. I may restart based on others' updates, but honestly, I'm not even sure I care about who did it because there are no suspects as of yet.

I finished this yesterday. Not sure if I'll have time to write a full review, but overall I liked it. I know little to nothing about Roman history, so I enjoyed taking on some new scenery and historical figures. I couldn't quite decide what I thought of Gordianus, or anyone else for that matter. Life/sex/truth - it all seemed so cheap to them.

Reply to post #11 (show post):
I had forgotten about that.